There are plenty of online hookup apps out there, but many are bogged down with horny people seeking instant gratification. A few of the best ones offer a low ratio of men to women, plus strict verification policies that reduce your chances of running into a catfish or OnlyFans bot. The best part: you can get most of the features on these apps for free.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, safe sex has become top of mind for some dating app users. That’s why some of the best hookup apps now include options to signify vaccination status on a profile or chat. Some also offer more specific search options, like Feeld, which allows members to categorize their preferences or state whether they’re looking for a threesome.
Unlike Tinder and Hinge, Feeld doesn’t allow you to swipe profiles, but its in-app icebreakers and detailed voice prompts encourage meaningful conversations right off the bat. It’s also the only hookup app that gives users an option to filter out potential matches who aren’t interested in casual flings or polyamorous relationships. If you’re willing to shell out a little money, you can expedite the process by paying for a “Preferred” membership.
While the majority of its users are straight, OkCupid offers a sizable LGBTQ+ community and is available for both women and men. Its streamlined interface makes it easy to find a casual fling or long-term relationship. Its eHarmony-like matching system takes into account both your personality and preferences to pair you with compatible matches.
For a hookup app that takes a more laid-back approach, try Once. Instead of swiping through endless profiles, the app pairs you with one potential match a day for a chat that lasts 24 hours. While the interface isn’t as polished as some of its competition, it’s a good alternative for those who want to slow down the pace of their searches.
A lot of the top hookup apps require you to pay for their premium features, but Bumble is an exception. Its free membership lets you send and receive messages, as well as browse profiles and use the search function. The only drawback is that you can’t chat with matches until they approve your message, which some people may find inconvenient.
While Bumble is a great option for women, if you’re a man who prefers a more traditional experience, check out CoffeeMeetsBagel. Its free or paid options allow you to receive five curated matches a day, as well as sift through runner-ups on the Discover page. However, you’ll need to pay in-app currency to message users who weren’t matched with automatically. Fortunately, most of the top hookup apps offer free or cheap messaging options to ensure that you won’t be breaking the bank for a casual encounter.